ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What is the primary focus of Autogenic Inhibition during static stretching?

1. Contraction of agonist muscle

2. Relaxation of agonist muscle

3. Activation of synergist muscles

4. Strengthening of antagonist muscles

The correct answer is: Relaxation of agonist muscle

Autogenic Inhibition is a neuromuscular phenomenon that occurs when a muscle experiences a prolonged stretch, leading to a relaxation response in that same muscle. This process is primarily mediated by the Golgi tendon organs, which are sensory receptors located where muscles attach to tendons. When a muscle is stretched and tension increases, the Golgi tendon organs detect this tension and send signals to the central nervous system, promoting relaxation of the muscle being stretched. In the context of static stretching, this relaxation allows the muscle to elongate further without risking injury, thereby enhancing flexibility. The focus here is on the muscle that is being stretched—referred to as the agonist muscle. As the tension in the agonist muscle is sensed, the message to relax is transmitted, which helps achieve a deeper stretch. In contrast, the other options do not align with the primary function of Autogenic Inhibition. For instance, contraction of the agonist muscle or activation of synergist muscles would counteract the relaxation response, while strengthening antagonist muscles does not directly relate to the stretch reflex or the inhibition mechanism. Thus, the emphasis on relaxation of the agonist muscle captures the essence of Autogenic Inhibition during static stretching accurately.